How often do you actually use your backhoe? (BX and B size)

[ovrszd]

Perhaps the question would be better stated:

How often do you cycle from Backhoe to Three Point Hitch implements? Estimate proportion of time tractor is used with each.

In north Florida farm country, with our sandy soil, Backhoes are not seen that frequently.

Good post Jeff. Richard's usage with his Industrial TLB isn't a fair comparison. I have a similar machine. I only crank it if backhoe work is needed. Not the same as a removeable hoe on the back end of a tractor.

 

[Diggin It]

Putting my Hoe on and taking it off is no big deal. Almost no time off and maybe 10 minutes to put it on. Would be much less if I had a level, solid place to park it which I do not. The biggest headache is getting it lined up. The attachment part is a breeze. Now, if I had to mess with a sub frame, that would be a much bigger problem.

I can switch from Hoe to tiller in 20 minutes or less if all goes well.

Currently Hoe stays off most of the time, but that's largely due to the added length and issues with maneuverability and weight on my slopes and soft ground. I don't even have to pull the MMM to use the Hoe or vice versa. I can have either or both on and functional at any time. MMM is off now due to no mowing but during the summer it stays on unless I need to use the Hoe in a area where ground clearance is an issue.

 

[DK35vince]

Perhaps the question would be better stated:

How often do you cycle from Backhoe to Three Point Hitch implements? Estimate proportion of time tractor is used with each.

In north Florida farm country, with our sandy soil, Backhoes are not seen that frequently.

My backhoe gets used a few times per year. ( it got a lot of use when we were building our house) takes 5 minutes or less to remove and 10 minutes or less to install.
Backhoe will be used a good bit this year, digging all utility's and footers for our sons new house.
My back blade, box blade, brush mower, sickle bar mower, tiller, Etc. also each only get used a few times per year
Finish mower gets used every week April-October

 

[fried1765]

That's a secret...

NO.....it's not just... "a secret"!!

It is .... TOP SECRET!
By definition, none of us have... "the need to know"!

 

[fried1765]

Swapping out the hoe to put on the qhitch for other implements got to be a nuisance. So I bought a second, smaller $3500 Yanmar that I now use 80% of the time and leave the hoe on the YM240. See my photo above, where I pulled the little guy away when I got it too close to the fence.

I use the little one with the implements I originally bought or built for the YM240 - rotary mower, rototiller, rear forks and platform. Photo. As well as the implements that are properly sized for the little guy - spike harrow, land plane, and towing my watering trailer.

If the little YM186D could lift the 3-point backhoe, I could sell the larger YM240 - but no. The hoe is too heavy.

Essentially the same here:

Kubota L48 TLB for BH use, and forks/loader work (soon to include grapple).

Smaller Ford 1920 FEL for pulling implements (tiller, box blade, rear blade, plow, cultivator).

I never disconnect the Kubota TLB hoe, though it is subframe mounted QA.

 

[electrycmonk]

LOL... more like giggles to self softly as I wander off to bed....

how Unctuous.

I'm in the hoe camp.
1) finally got one this month.
2) finally got a tractor last summer.
3) saving my knee(VA surgery last summer) and back as often as possible now. (priceless)
4) finally upgrading the wellhouse (started digging this weekend).
5) started chicken coop a few months before the tractor. Coop is now mostly finished.
6) have plans to use BH at lakehouse when done with wellhouse.
7) have a tree to move while its dormant --- ASAP. its smack in the center of a section of the planned Driveway to the shop.
8) shop will be started soon - finally.
9) its fun. (priceless)
10) I get to teach the kiddos some complex dexterity and control with the BH too. (priceless)
11) Planting stuff for wife or kiddos in the coming months or years... "Sure Hon'- where do you want it?" (priceless)
12) will likely be helping a friend or two in its future life in our fleet.
...... paid for in.......months? Very likely.
13) my lucky number... did I say I grew up with Tonka toys.... this is; without a doubt, adult Tonka.

Anyone disagree on this last tidbit?

 

[dragoneggs]

LOL... more like giggles to self softly as I wander off to bed....

how Unctuous.

I'm in the hoe camp.
1) finally got one this month.
2) finally got a tractor last summer.
3) saving my knee(VA surgery last summer) and back as often as possible now. (priceless)
4) finally upgrading the wellhouse (started digging this weekend).
5) started chicken coop a few months before the tractor. Coop is now mostly finished.
6) have plans to use BH at lakehouse when done with wellhouse.
7) have a tree to move while its dormant --- ASAP. its smack in the center of a section of the planned Driveway to the shop.
8) shop will be started soon - finally.
9) its fun. (priceless)
10) I get to teach the kiddos some complex dexterity and control with the BH too. (priceless)
11) Planting stuff for wife or kiddos in the coming months or years... "Sure Hon'- where do you want it?" (priceless)
12) will likely be helping a friend or two in its future life in our fleet.
...... paid for in.......months? Very likely.
13) my lucky number... did I say I grew up with Tonka toys.... this is; without a doubt, adult Tonka.

Anyone disagree on this last tidbit?

Nope... love my BH.

To me this isn't a hard question to answer and I'm so glad I splurged... but only the OP knows what is out there with regard to their property projects. Every time I use it I think back to the shovel and wheel barrow days. Don't miss them a bit! :cool2:

 

[Diggin It]

Every time I use it I think back to the shovel and wheel barrow days. Don't miss them a bit! :cool2:

I won't be getting rid of my two wheelbarrows and several shovels any time soon. Still find LOTS of uses for them.

 

[Haff]

I was scouting my property yesterday, making plans and I have no doubt at all now. I will greatly appreciate the hoe. I have a lot of work to do. Should be fun.

 

[Budweiser John]

Post number 60, and the conclusion?

Looks like the future of back hoe attachments is alive and well.

B. John